Read, Sing, Engage! Mini Conference 2024
Come be inspired and learn more about supporting children's early literacy skills.
The 2024 Read, Sing, Engage Mini-Conference is a free professional session that offers a chance for Vancouver's early childhood educators, childcare providers, and adults working with children in the community to come together for literacy-focused professional development and networking opportunities.
This year, the conference is transitioning to a half-day (3 hour) session at four accessible VPL locations across the city.
Learn more about supporting early literacy with songs and stories. Enjoy free snacks and door prizes, and create a felt make-and-take to share with your students.
Who: Early childhood educators, childcare providers and adults currently working with children in the community who live and/or work in Vancouver.
Where:
- Hastings Branch
- Kitsilano Branch
- Renfrew Branch
- Terry Salman Branch
When: Saturday, November 16th, 2024 | 10 am - 1 pm
Please note, the conference is now FULL. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please complete and submit the following application form.
Additional Information:
- Same workshop is being offered at all 4 locations
- Participants will receive a certificate for 3 hours of professional development.
2024 Conference Details!
This year, the conference is transitioning to a half-day (3 hour) session at four accessible VPL locations across the city. Applicants will be able to select a preferred location on the application form.
Featured Workshop: Tools for Engaging High Energy Children
Join us to build your magic story bag. Learn ways to turn stories, songs, and felt pieces into interactive experiences for young children with lots of energy. Make a felt story to take home and get a free bag filled with helpful storytime tools to use, including a book, songs, activity suggestions, and more.
Who should attend?
Early childhood educators (ECE), childcare providers and adults currently working with children in the community who live and/or work in Vancouver.
Why is VPL offering this session?
Supporting the crucial role that licensed and unlicensed early educators play in the healthy development of children aged 0 - 5 in Vancouver is an important aspect of Vancouver Public Library's advocacy for the early years community.
By providing caregivers and educators with resources and programs to further develop and enhance their skills and professional tools, the library can better support our city's youngest residents and set them up for lifelong success.
Past Highlights
Storytime Conference 2023 | November 18, 2023
Keynote: Les George
Community Partner Spotlight: Vancouver Coastal Health Speech and Language Pathologist Clarice MacGillivray
Featured Workshops:
- Felt Make and Take: Early Math Skills
- Library Basics for Early Childhood Educators
Storytime Conference 2022 | November 19, 2022
Theme: Under the Reading Tree | Keynote: Kinwa Bluesky
Featured Workshops:
- Interactive Storytelling
- New Ways to Explore Information Books
Storytime Conference 2021 | November 20, 2021 | Online
Keynote: Renae Morrisseau
Featured Workshops:
- Oral Storytelling
- Tough Topics
Storytime Conference 2019 | May 4, 2019
Featured Workshops:
- New Picture Books, Songs and Rhymes: Toddler Tales
- Prewriting Skills in Early Years
- Storytelling
- Music and Movement
Storytime Conference 2018 | May 5, 2018
Featured Workshops:
- New Picture Books Songs and Rhymes: Diversity and Inclusion
- New Picture Books Songs and Rhymes: Non Fiction Fun
- Music and Movement
- One Story Many Ways
About
The Storytime Conference is a low-cost opportunity for members of the Vancouver early childhood education community to come together for literacy-focused professional development and networking. As the only conference of its kind in Vancouver, this event enhances the early literacy knowledge of local educators, and encourages peer connections that support communities of learning within the early education sector.
A dedicated conference recognizes the crucial role that early educators, licensed and unlicensed, play in the healthy development of children aged 0-5; this is an important aspect of our advocacy for the Early Years community, as they work to elevate the profile of their profession.